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Friday, December 21, 2012

Best of 2012: Part 2 - The End

Best Books of 2012......The World Still Hasn't Ended

Here is part two of my "Best of 2012" mini series thingy. This post is the big finale! Here are my very favorite books I've read in 2012. Be sure to check out Part 1 - Best Series and Novellas! Some of the books that I picked I didn't rate 5 stars on my Goodreads. I added these because of improvement from the previous book, or I liked them a lot, but didn't really deserve 5 stars in sense that they weren't exceptional (I know it doesn't make sense, but just got with it ;-).

Here are my top ten favorite books of 2012:

10. Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L Armentrout

I really loved this book mostly because of the character growth and some other things that I can't say. I hated the last book Half Blood, but this was an amazing improvement. Goodreads review here.

9. Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

This book I felt was much more intense than Divergent, which was cool. I had a very Mockingjay feel to it. There was way more action (if that's possible), and all the characters have relationship growth. Really short review that's not worth mentioning.

8. Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

The very basic idea about love being a sickness is fascinating and I was amazed by the raw grace that this was written. The story was raw and rough, but really beautiful at the same time.

7. I Have Lived 1000 Years: Growing Up in the Holocaust by Livia Bitton-Jackson

I Have Lived 1000 Years is a autobiography that I read for school and fell in love with. It made me cry once or twice (I never cry), and it was a very moving story. Her account of her experiences in Auschwitz are horrifying and the melancholy ending shed some light about what exactly went on. A must read for everyone.

6. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

This is a cute, light read that by the end you are practically yelling at the book for more. It was such an odd story, but made perfect sense. It may never happen in real life, but I liked how the author toyed with fate.

5. Middle Ground (Awaken #2) by Katie Kacvinsky

This is the second book in the Awaken trilogy, and it is about the most (literally) insane book I've ever read. The main character is sent through the meat grinder in this book, and still comes out fighting. Her boyfriend is just about the best I've ever read, and the plot is fascinating. Goodreads review here.

4. The Fault in our Stars by John Green

This book is only kind of depressing, but John Green balances that with humor and really deep, philosophical terms that is just amazing. The main themes are expertly written and give a new meaning to acceptance, family, and "fast love".

3. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

This dark take on vampires is blood wrenching and heart stopping. the romance makes you want to rip the pages out, but at the same time swoon. The main character is tough and tolerant. The things she has to face are crazy, and the antagonists are enraging. Overall, best vampire book. Ever. Goodreads review here.

2. Shifting by Bethany Wiggins

This book was really cool. The end was a little cliffhanger that makes you remember the book, but it doesn't suggest another one. The main character (Maggie) has to cope with being a Shifter and being bullied by peers. The other characters are written so well that you can't help but be on Maggie's side for all of them. She is so pure of heart and lovable that I couldn't help but love the rest (and come on, who wouldn't love that cover?)

1. Significance by Shelly Crane

This book.....I think these kinds of books become very easily cliche and boring, but Significance brings something else to the table. The characters are to die for, and the story line is smooth and fast. I don't think there is much to say besides read it! My review here.